In conversation with experienced entrepreneur and terrific travel writer, Paula Worthington, on rebooking the travel industry in the new modern world.

1. Which one aspect of the travel industry will see the longest-lasting repercussions of the global health pandemic?
Virtually every industry will be impacted in some way by the virus. There’s a huge number of factors that will come into play for the travel industry. For example, how quickly a vaccine is developed and its effectiveness, when borders open, as well as the comfort level of people travelling. I expect the cruise industry will need to make some adjustments to better adapt to changing times.

2. The cruise industry is in stormy waters - is there a future for them in tomorrow's world?
The cruise industry will need to adapt just like everyone else. They will need to listen and pay close attention to how consumers’ preferences might be changing due to the pandemic (both short-term and long-term) and respond accordingly. It might be as simple as more stringent health / symptom monitoring (such as self-assessments and temperature checks), or more sweeping changes to vessels and how they operate.

3. As a seasoned and frequent airline traveler, what do you see  the future of air travel as?
I wouldn’t be surprised to see more passengers wearing masks as a precaution moving forward, not just due to COVID-19 but to reduce risk of other ailments like influenza or the common cold. In airports, I would think we are more likely to see ongoing health screening, self-assessments/questionnaires and more sanitization stations. If rapid testing becomes available, that might also come into play for some airlines. Self-quarantine upon arrival might become more common if outbreaks continue.

4. Financially, the majority of the world has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the road to recovery will be a marathon. Do you think people will still want to travel during the recovery period?Different parts of the world will open up at different times, and agreed, it will be a marathon. Everyone is in a different place when it comes to their comfort level as we emerge from this. Even as things open up, there will be some people who will feel very nervous about travelling – they may have underlying health issues, or close contact with someone who does. As things become “ok” to do, we have to respect that there will be a spectrum of comfort. I suspect we’ll see a renewed interest in domestic travel and short-haul trips first.

5. Will there be an increased interest in local travel as we ease into a new world?
For sure. People might feel more comfortable staying within Canada, since we have a very robust healthcare system. We have so many incredible places to visit here at home, many of which are not overcrowded. That said, we have to be vigilant no matter where we travel – respecting the land, each other and treading lightly.

6. Will "influencers" see tomorrow's world?
Like many, influencers will continue to adapt to the changing times. Most consumers tend to trust influencers as much as they trust the recommendations of friends and family. Smart influencers who work at being authentic, compassionate and meaningful will be able to create great opportunities for themselves.

7. How have you specifically been impacted by this?
I’m very fortunate as I’m well equipped to run my business remotely, so it’s been business as usual for my company. I’m at home right now which means I’m not travelling or exploring the world at the moment, but I’m making the most of being grounded, filling my time with meaningful client work and building my business, as well as making the most of my spare time with some small projects around my house, cooking, baking and making time for daily exercise. I feel very fortunate.

8. Which do you think will be more popular going forward; local travel, provincial travel, or national travel?Hard to say – What I love seeing right now is more people exploring (at a safe distance) their local neighbourhoods and parks. I’m seeing more families out for bike rides together, people out for an early morning run or walk, and others really getting to know their community and the people within it. Everyone smiles and says hello, at a safe distance. That’s healthy on many levels.

9. Will we see the return in popularity of road trips?
I think so. There’s a certain sense of control when you’re on a road trip: How far you go, where you stay, when you stop. That will be very appealing for some people.

10. How severely will international travel suffer because of this?
In the short term, there’s obviously a huge effect. Longer term, I think international travel will recover, with some changes that will become the “new normal”, similar to how new practices came into effect after 9/11. I think people still have a curiosity about exploring the world that is hard to extinguish.

11. As a travel writer, will this change the types of destinations you visit and medium you take to get there?I’ve always loved exploring off the beaten path destinations and lesser-known places, so I’m probably less affected than others. First and foremost, I will follow all recommendations set forth by our government. If travel is not recommended, whether it be regionally, nationally or internationally, I’ll adhere to that (as everyone should). I don’t think it will change the places I want to visit or how I get there, I may just have to be patient and wait a little longer to get there.

12. What positives can come out of this for the travel industry?
As challenging as this situation feels right now, hardship creates an opportunity for change and evolution. While some people are “waiting out” the pandemic, others are using this pause button to get creative, find a new perspective and re-evaluate their priorities. The greatest rewards will come to those who are using this time to pivot and adapt.

13. What's the first place you'll visit once we're past this?
Living in Alberta, I’m looking forward to spending some time hiking in the mountains in my backyard, which always puts me at ease. I also love the west coast of British Columbia, so look forward to visiting some favourite quiet spots there once it’s appropriate to do so. That’s where I go to “exhale” from the busy world.

14. Will travel agents/agencies see tomorrow's world?
Like any industry, those who aren’t afraid to adapt and innovate will be able to carve out a place in tomorrow’s world. If people are feeling nervous about where to go / what to do, an agent can be a great resource. I suspect we will also see a lot more last-minute travel demands, with people taking a “wait and see” approach and booking within a much shorter time frame.

15. With many of us having been at home for the past several weeks, many of us have learned/enhanced our digital skills. Will there be an influx of available travel writers/photographers/videographers in the new world?
I suspect the pandemic has helped people re-think their priorities and passions. Some people might not want to go back to their previous job or career, having a bit of a “Carpe Diem” moment. We will likely see some new talent emerge, and perhaps others who have decided to hang up their hat and stay closer to home. Only time will tell.

Final thoughts:
I know we are eager for the pandemic to end. Many have experienced devastating grief – they have lost loved ones, felt anxiety, fear, sadness, financial stress or separation from others. I send my condolences to anyone who has experienced loss or felt suffering.
That said, I hope this adversity will carve new avenues for compassion, empathy and opportunity. I hope that humanity can learn from this pandemic and we can learn to treat each other and our planet a little better.

Paula Worthington is an entrepreneur, adventurer and communications leader. She is the Founder and Principal of Worthington PR & Story, a respected communications agency based in Calgary.
A storyteller at heart, Paula regularly travels the globes as a notable freelance writer and photographer, with her work appearing in national newspapers, on radio and in digital travel magazines as well as on her own website, WandersWild.com